Meditation

Meditation offers a way for the body/mind to retune. It allows us to begin to learn to integrate our ego demands with life as it is. This type of focus creates an emotional/physiological base for improved well-being while facilitating improved functional outcomes in the way we live and adapt in our environment.

Internal (Silent) Bija Mantra Meditation-

Used to neutralize oscillations (thought/word manifestations)

There is a web of near silent sound (vibration) that is said to underlie the natural world, this is a field of potential for all sound. Furthermore, differences in sound and rhythm do help differentiate everything in the natural world. Rishis (ancient thinkers) decided to use partial samples (small units) of sound to help lead practitioners through what we consider to be the natural world and then back to the source of stillness. (The partial sound repeated in the manifest “real” world is said to have a natural tendency to move towards its’ source (potential or full vibratory silence)).

Silent Sound Meditation

Seed sound/silent sound meditation is not prayer. The activity is about facilitating s/Self-organization. True seed sounds (bija mantras) are neutral syllables. They DO NOT represent things, gods, etc. Some other types of words could be used in “silent sound” meditation. However, I would not suggest using your pet’s name for example. Wouldn’t it be difficult to silence your mind by repeating “spot, spot, spot”? Then think: is spot hungry? Is he eating a pillow? Does he need to go outside? I think that could be a challenge for most people. It is best to have a focal point that doesn’t draw you out, which is why seed sounds are preferred.

Letter to a meditator

Re: Transcending meditation

Hi _______ (friend),

Yes, it is good to have a mental anchor to repeat peacefully (silently) during single-point meditation and to return to after you catch yourself day-dreaming. You could try watching the breath, or repeating casually (and silently) a powerful sound (“while not watching the breath”). Such a sound could be "I am" or "I'm" which is really a Western interpretation of the sound of a Sanskrit seed mantra. These sounds are sometimes considered to be meaningless, that is, they do not draw out individuality (so that’s good!). There are a limited number of bija (or seed) mantras known today. Do not use any word/sound (whether you choose you own, or are given a bija mantra), which changes the neutrality that a breathing anchor could offer.

Do not use any mantra if it moves in any direction except a change in sound (slight pronunciation change is fine), it should not be filled with meaning (how else are we going to control our ego?). It should never be: "I am"… I'm here...I'm unique...I’ll show them….etc. It should never turn into a prayer or motivational self-talk, those are great but different.

In working towards a still mind, a very important aspect is to disregard all naturally occurring thoughts.

Bija mantra meditation should never challenge your religious or spiritual beliefs. You repeat, you stop chatter, you go into your own silence.

Eyes closed, not driving, seated comfortably, lotus pose is not needed. Gently repeat or watch your single-pointed focus, when you catch yourself day-dreaming, gently go back to your focal point. Do this for 15-20 minutes twice a day. Good ideas will come during these practices, but don't engage; That is also another practice, which is fine in its time.

A still mind can retool and retime your system, but the quest cannot contain a personal agenda. Remember single-point meditation is not prayer, and is not self-talk. This is the real "neutral" deal, going deep with no agenda. Helps creativity, discernment, and smiling.